With Tool Or Equipment Control Patents (Class 180/324)
  • Patent number: 11149759
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include hydraulic systems which provide power to lift, tilt and auxiliary (e.g., implement) functions, including high-flow auxiliary functions, with increased efficiency. Disclosed embodiments incorporate a single variable displacement pump that supplies pressurized fluid to a main control valve (e.g., for lift, tilt, and auxiliary functions) and a bypass circuit. The main control valve supplies fluid to control lift, tilt, and auxiliary flow for implements. The bypass circuit combines flow with the output of the auxiliary section of the main control valve to optionally provide high-flow for selected implements. The single variable displacement pump can then be set to different output flow levels, with the bypass circuit functioning differently under different conditions to optimize hydraulic flow to carryout various tasks under various conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Charles Young, Jason R. Coombs
  • Patent number: 10668806
    Abstract: A concrete transit mixer can include a cabin having four doors for people to enter and exit the cabin, and a rotatable drum for mixing and pouring concrete. The mixer can include a water tank mounted below the cabin and a fuel tank mounted below the cabin. The mixer can include four distinct sets of steps to allow people to climb up to each of the four doors to enter the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: CalPortland Company
    Inventors: Daryl Morgan, Louis Mizner, William Hamblen
  • Patent number: 10575466
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a work machine having a primary frame member and a prime mover platform removably coupled to the primary frame member. Wherein the prime mover platform is configured to selectively couple a prime mover to the primary frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Barrett D. Reed, Kevin J. Goering, Michael S. Garton
  • Patent number: 10202740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for, with a first and a second hand operated control means (11a, 11b), controlling movement on a work tool (5) for a construction machine (1). The construction machine (1) comprises a lower carriage (2), a top (3), a digging arm (4) and a work tool (5). The digging arm (4) comprises an inner link arm (4a) with a first and a second inner link arm end (4a1, 4a2) and an outer link arm (4b) with a first and a second outer link arm end (4b1, 4b2). The work tool (5) is secured in the second outer link arm end (4b2) via an attachment device (6) which enables controlled rotation and controlled tilting of the work tool (5) in relation to the outer link arm (4b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: STEELWRIST AB
    Inventors: Stefan Stockhaus, Markus Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9976285
    Abstract: An excavator includes a chassis, an implement, control architecture, and an assembly to swing with, or relative to, the chassis and including a boom, stick to curl relative to the boom, and coupling between the implement and stick. The implement rotates about an axis R such that a leading edge LE defines a heading Î. The control architecture comprises sensors, actuators, and controllers to utilize sensor signals to generate a LE position relative to a reference based on reference data and map information, utilize sensor implement edge signals and the excavator position relative to the reference and map information to generate a nearest implement edge (NIE) signal indicative of a LE NIE position relative to the reference, and utilize the actuators for divertive implement rotation about R to adjust Î to account for divertive rotation away from an actual or projected overlap of the NIE and reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Christopher A. Padilla
  • Patent number: 9663333
    Abstract: A self-propelled work machine includes an undercarriage provided with drive wheels driven by a drive device. An upper structure is rotatably mounted on the undercarriage. A drive unit is arranged in the undercarriage and a boom for a work tool is mounted on the undercarriage. The drive unit drives a power generator that is a power source for an electric motor arranged in the upper structure, the electric motor being the drive device for the drive wheels arranged on the undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SENNEBOGEN MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH
    Inventor: Erich Sennebogen
  • Patent number: 9457997
    Abstract: Counterweight fixing device (1) for a crane, which is comparatively easy to install and can also be used in particular for cranes with a derricking jib, in which the derricking jib is rigidly connected to the mast (3), and at the same time provides a safe design without generating a high noise level during operation. The core principle of the design of the counterweight fixing device (1) is that the counterweight blocks (4) are simply suspended on a carrier bar (2), but the generation of noise is kept to a low level due to the suppression of the freedom of movement of the counterweight blocks (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Wolffkran Holding AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Dorzbach, Johannes Kleinknecht, Jochen Ziegler
  • Patent number: 9016418
    Abstract: A right front housing cover is arranged in the right side of a working mechanism, and a first control valve is arranged in a front portion side of a valve accommodation room that is covered with the right front housing cover. Further, a signal control valve block is arranged in the back side of the first control valve and in the upper side of the first control valve, and a solenoid valve is arranged in the back side of the signal control valve block. A front surface plate forming part of the right front housing cover has a lower side is inclined in an oblique downward direction toward the forward side, and is arranged along a virtual line that extends in an oblique downward direction through a front end portion of the first control valve and a front end portion of the signal control valve block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kakurou Ootsuka, Hidefumi Hiramatsu, Tsuyoshi Ueki
  • Patent number: 8978812
    Abstract: An operator's seat mounting section (11) that is positioned in back side of a floor member (10) includes a seat plate (11D) for mounting an operator's seat (14) and an equipment mounting part (11F) that rises upward from the right side of the seat plate (11D), and a right operating lever assembly (16) is provided in front of the equipment mounting part (11F). A controller accommodating space (21) is provided to be positioned in back side of a console (16A) of the right operating lever assembly (16) and between a side surface (11F1) of the equipment mounting part (11F) of the operator's seat mounting section (11) and the operator's seat (14), and a controller (27) is mounted in the controller accommodating space (21) to control various kinds of electric equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Kimura, Hiroshi Tabeta
  • Patent number: 8948977
    Abstract: A system for controlling an implement of a machine is disclosed. The system may have a machine velocity sensor that senses an actual machine velocity and a targeted machine velocity sensor that senses a targeted machine velocity. The system may also have a controller, and an actuator configured to move an implement responsive to commands received from the controller by an actuator controller. The controller may be configured to receive the actual machine velocity from the machine velocity sensor, receive the targeted machine velocity from the targeted machine velocity sensor, compare the actual machine velocity to the targeted machine velocity, and send a command to the actuator controller to shake the implement based on the comparison of the actual machine velocity to the targeted machine velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest Liu, William Ostler
  • Patent number: 8851225
    Abstract: This invention relates to construction machinery or a utility vehicle with at least one vehicle cabin or at least one driver's cab with a first seat with first control devices for a first operator, from which all of the essential driving and/or operating functions of the utility vehicle/construction machinery can be controlled. At least one second seat with second control devices for a second operator is provided in the vehicle cabin/the driver's cab in accordance with the invention, from which all of the essential driving and/or operating functions of the utility vehicle/construction machinery can likewise be controlled, including a steering function for the vehicle. Control elements are provided by means of which a higher standing is assigned to the second control devices when the first and second control devices are simultaneously actuated, so that the second control devices override the first control devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Bernd Braun
  • Publication number: 20130264139
    Abstract: This invention relates to construction machinery or a utility vehicle with at least one vehicle cabin or at least one driver's cab with a first seat with first control devices for a first operator, from which all of the essential driving and/or operating functions of the utility vehicle/construction machinery can be controlled. At least one second seat with second control devices for a second operator is provided in the vehicle cabin/the driver's cab in accordance with the invention, from which all of the essential driving and/or operating functions of the utility vehicle/construction machinery can likewise be controlled, including a steering function for the vehicle. Control elements are provided by means of which a higher standing is assigned to the second control devices when the first and second control devices are simultaneously actuated, so that the second control devices override the first control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Bernd Braun
  • Patent number: 8528684
    Abstract: A charge pressure reduction circuit for a loader backhoe in which a directional control valve causes the charge pump to operate at a system pressure high enough to adequately supply a clutch circuit when conditions indicate the vehicle is operating in a loader or transport mode. The directional control valve causes the charge pump to operate at a lower pressure as, for example, required for a lubrication circuit when conditions indicate the vehicle is in a backhoe operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nathan H. Laws, Jonathan R. Copeland, Jacob J. Foxen, Anthony W. Brandon
  • Patent number: 8505673
    Abstract: A control system for a saddle-type vehicle is provided. The control system includes a reverse lever, a hand brake lever, a throttle lever and at least one mount bracket. Each of the reverse lever, the hand brake lever and the throttle lever are pivotably coupled to the at least one mount bracket and the at least one mount bracket is configured to be connected to a first one of a right handlebar and a left handlebar of a saddle-type vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 8380402
    Abstract: Heavy equipment includes a main body, a drivetrain, a work implement, and a control system. The drivetrain includes a first and second actuator providing speed and direction movement of the heavy equipment. The work implement includes a third and fourth actuator providing position and orientation of the work implement. The control system includes first and second main interfaces and first and second auxiliary interfaces, to allows an operator to simultaneously control the drivetrain and the work implement. The first main interface is operated by a first hand of the operator, and the control system operates the third actuator responsive to a signal from the first main interface. The first auxiliary interface is integrated with the first main interface, and operates simultaneously with the first main interface by a finger of the first hand. The control system operates the first actuator responsive to a signal from the first auxiliary interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bucyrus Intl. Inc.
    Inventor: Lane C. Hobenshield
  • Patent number: 8312946
    Abstract: A trigger 52a control apparatus is provided for operating a transmission 44 of a self-propelled mowing machine 20 via a cable 42 between a halt condition and an advancement condition. The trigger 52a control apparatus includes a housing 100, and a plurality of independently operable triggers 52a rotatably coupled to the housing 100 for movement between an engaged and a disengaged position 104. Each trigger 52a includes an operation member 108a. A cam 114 is rotatably coupled to the housing 100 about a cam rotation axis 116 and operatively coupled to the cable 42, wherein rotation of the cam 114 in a first direction relatively increases tension in the cable 42. An actuation member 138 is coupled to the cam 114 a distance from the cam rotation axis 116.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Husqvarna Consumer Outdoor Products N.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Lahey, Matthew Lambert
  • Patent number: 8272468
    Abstract: A tractor includes a boom and a bucket being coupled with each other in series and having the same rotating direction, and a control lever for operating both the boom and the bucket. The control button is equipped in the control lever, and the control lever can operate either a boom or a bucket after either the boom or the bucket is selected by pressing the control button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Iida
  • Patent number: 8172030
    Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Jacob A. Hamburger
  • Patent number: 8104566
    Abstract: A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly of the motor grader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Neil Vincent Harber, Nathan Joseph Horstman, Charles Jon Paul Asp, James Michael Frett, Martin Lavern Ruhter, Michael Eugene Kennedy, Darrel Jeffrey Rowan, Richard John Gotto, Richard Arnold Valenzuela, Josh Dean Graeve, Maurice Thomas Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 7957850
    Abstract: A mobile station for an unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicular storage area for storing a vehicle during transit or at rest. A first wireless transceiver communicates a status or command between the vehicle and the mobile station during at least one of vehicular deployment and rest. A station controller manages a management plan of the vehicle comprising at least one of retooling the vehicle, loading a payload on the vehicle, and recharging or refueling of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 7938220
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes an operator compartment having two operator control handles, a deadman switch accessible by an operator using either control handle, and a traction system. The traction system is controlled by the control handles to drive the vehicle in a selected direction, wherein an operator can control the traction system while facing one of the selected directions and the deadman switch is selectively activatable to enable operation from both control handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Smiley, Robert J. Lewis, Kurt R. Werner, H. Scott Ryan
  • Patent number: 7874396
    Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Jacob A. Hamburger
  • Patent number: 7729835
    Abstract: A method is described of operating a working machine which includes a body, a ground engaging structure, and a working arm carrying a working implement, and an operator control for operating hydraulic actuators for effecting operating functions of the machine, the operator control mounting an additional control which is controllable to operate at least one selected actuator for effecting a selected operating function, the additional control providing inputs to a control device which responds proportionally to operate the selected actuator, the method including controlling the additional control to operate the selected actuator, and with the additional control being controlled to provide an input to the control device to achieve a desired operation of the actuator, activating a memory mode whereby the control device memorises the input and continues to operate the selected actuator in accordance with the memorised input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: JCB Compact Products Limited
    Inventors: David Andrew Morris, Luciano Argentieri, Andrew Stuart Mayer
  • Publication number: 20100089684
    Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Jacob A. Hamburger
  • Patent number: 7658259
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The aft control handle is provided in a twist grip style, which can be gripped easily by an operator facing the aft of the material handling vehicle. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Smiley, Robert J. Lewis, Kurt R. Werner, H. Scott Ryan
  • Patent number: 7635045
    Abstract: A control console for a work machine having at least one work tool has a rest and a plurality of operator control devices. The plurality of operator control devices are adjustable relative to the rest and configured to control at least one function of the at least one work tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Edward Shearer, Craig B. Kelley, Royce E. Leaders
  • Patent number: 7621366
    Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Jacob A. Hamburger
  • Patent number: 7610122
    Abstract: A mobile station for an unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicular storage area for storing a vehicle during transit or at rest. A first wireless transceiver communicates a status or command between the vehicle and the mobile station during at least one of vehicular deployment and rest. A station controller manages a management plan of the vehicle comprising at least one of retooling the vehicle, loading a payload on the vehicle, and recharging or refueling of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 7500535
    Abstract: A control device for a construction machine according to the present invention is configured so that in the construction machine provided with an automatic stop function which automatically stops an engine by an engine controller upon a predetermined automatic stop condition being met, and a hydraulic lock function which sets a hydraulic actuator locked in an inactive state by a hydraulic lock controller, there is provided a restart switch, where after an automatic stop of the engine, when the restart switch is operated, a restart command is transmitted to the engine controller via a route independently of that of an engine switch and independently of a hydraulic unlock condition, and the engine is restarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Kamon, Yoshiyasu Umezu, Tomohiko Asakage, Norihiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7445078
    Abstract: A vehicle (10) such as a heavy-duty truck (10) has an operator cab and a body section. The truck (10) has controls that control operating parameters associated with the operator cab and controls that control operating parameters associated with the body section. The truck (10) has a control system (12) that integrates the controls for the operator cab and the controls for the body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Autocar, LLC
    Inventors: William L. Dolesh, Robert Gordon Vit, Gerhard Engelbrecht, Chris Black, Michael Joseph LaVere, James Irwin Grubaugh
  • Patent number: 7428943
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The aft control handle is provided in a twist grip style, which can be gripped easily by an operator facing the aft of the material handling vehicle. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Smiley, Robert J. Lewis, Kurt R. Werner, H. Scott Ryan
  • Publication number: 20070227803
    Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Jacob A. Hamburger
  • Patent number: 7188991
    Abstract: An auxiliary control station for a rear dispensing concrete truck that controls the truck's steering, braking, and throttle. A seat with controls accessible from the seat may be positioned outside of the cab, such as to allow control of the truck from a position with an unobstructed view of the rear of the truck. The concrete dispensing chute may be modified so as to allow mechanical control of the left and right swing of the chute. The auxiliary control station also controls the drum and positioning of the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Five Star Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Weiler
  • Patent number: 6971194
    Abstract: A modular excavator-backhoe control station is disclosed, the station having two control towers with joystick on their upper ends that are pivotally coupled adjacent a floor of an excavator or backhoe. They have one piece polymeric boots that cover them as well as several additional operator controls. The towers are held in fore-and-aft position by a locking fluid cylinder that is adjustable to a many fore-and-aft positions. The towers also have upper portions that are laterally pivotal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Katrina L. McClelland, Curtis R. Lyons, Larry A. Johnson, Dennis J. Heyne
  • Patent number: 6910544
    Abstract: In the operation of work machines of the type having an extensible arm, the maximum reach of the arm for a given work machine is limited by such factors as the vehicle's weight, body size and engine placement. The present invention provides for a work machine arrangement in which a work machine has an engine cooling apparatus mounted to the work machine body such that the engine cooling apparatus's longitudinal axis is oriented substantially parallel to the arm longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Andrew J. Sewell
  • Patent number: 6877773
    Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine is beneficial for the operator (not shown). Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control levers continuously in a retract position, the operator (not shown) may simply move the control levers to an auto-retract position. The movement of the control levers in such a manner activates a control switch in connection with each of the control levers. The control switches, in turn, activate a timer relay that activates a solenoid detent operative with each control lever. Once the solenoid detents are in an activated state, the operator (not shown) may relinquish contact with the control levers. The solenoid detents will retain the control levers in the auto-retract position via electro-magnetic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: John S. Bibb, Shane W. Kiger, Kenneth J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 6837319
    Abstract: A work machine is operably coupled to an interchangeable hydraulically-driven implement via at least one hydraulic line. When changing the hydraulically-driven implement, high pressure trapped within the hydraulic line may cause difficulties in disengaging the attached hydraulically-driven implement from a body of the work machine. The present invention relieves the pressure in the hydraulic line by energizing at least one electronically controlled valve while an engine of the work machine is inactive. The valve is operably coupled to an electrical actuator and is moveable between, at least, a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the hydraulic line is fluidly connected to a low pressure line. A control system includes a pressure release controller that is operably coupled to energize the electrical actuator and move the valve to the first position when the engine is inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Paul A. Dvorak, Mark A. Sporer, James M. Bell
  • Patent number: 6796392
    Abstract: A working machine has an operation switching lever mounted on a handle in the vicinity of a handle grip and is arranged to be manipulated by one of the hands of the operator to transmit or interrupt a driving force outputted from the drive source to the working tool. A drive switching lever is mounted on the handle and is arranged to be manipulated by one of the hands of the operator to operate a continuously variable transmission to switch driving wheels from a halt condition to a high-speed advancement condition. A disc is mounted on the handle for undergoing rotational movement relative to the drive switching lever. A control member positions the disc at a preselected angular position relative to the drive switching lever to regulate an amount of pivotal movement of the drive switching lever for adjusting a rotational speed of the driving wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Kobayashi, Tetsuo Iida, Hiromitsu Sasaki, Tomoaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6601670
    Abstract: Controllability of a vehicle such as a skid steer loader is improved and the burden on an operator is reduced. When operation is conducted according to the first operation pattern, the pattern switching lever of the first switching valve is switched to the first operation pattern side and the pattern switching lever of the second switching valve is switched to the first operation pattern side. Furthermore, when operation is conducted according to the second operation pattern, the pattern switching lever of the first switching valve is switched to the second operation pattern side and the pattern switching lever of the second switching valve is switched to the second operation pattern side. Moreover, when operation is conducted according to the third operation pattern, the pattern switching lever of the first switching valve is switched to the third operation pattern side and the pattern switching lever of the second switching valve is switched to the third operation pattern side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohisa Kaneda, Shuuji Hori
  • Patent number: 6571902
    Abstract: A method of automatically setting an auxiliary hydraulic valve's flow rate and returning to that flow rate automatically is disclosed. The work vehicle such as a backhoe has two hand controls, one of which has a button, and the other has a thumb wheel. To set the hydraulic flow rate, one both presses the button one hand control and moves the thumb wheel on the other hand control until the proper flow rate is reached. At this point, both button and thumb wheel are released. This causes the flow rate to be saved in RAM or ROM memory. The flow rate can be varied at any time by rolling the thumb wheel up or down. One can return to the previously save flow rate by pressing the button. Both controls are preferably spring loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. Heyne, Peter J. Dix
  • Patent number: 6446738
    Abstract: A drill comprising a frame supported for movement over the ground in a forward propel direction and a rearward propel direction, a mast mounted on the frame in a generally vertical position, and a drill head moveable up and down the mast. The drill head is selectively engageable with the upper end of a drill pipe so that the drill pipe is raised and lowered out of and into the ground when the drill head moves up and down the mast. The drill further includes a crawler drive for moving the drill in the forward propel direction, a motor for moving the drill head to cause drilling, and an operator's cab positioned on the frame adjacent the mast. The cab includes a first console and a second console spaced from the first console, controls on the first console for operating the forward propel drive, and controls on the second console for operating the drill head motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Boyd
  • Patent number: 6226582
    Abstract: A control system for an electric lift truck that controls a traction motor and a hydraulic pump motor is disclosed. The speed of rotation of both motors is controlled by a pulse width modulated current supplied from a battery source by the controller in direct response to a demand communicated to the controller through an interface manipulated by an operator. A pump driven by the pump motor supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to a lift mechanism and a power assisted steering unit. A joystick with function switches mounted thereto is provided so that the operator steers with one hand while controlling truck propulsion and all functions of the lift mechanism with the other hand. The direct control of the pump motor speed enables a fully proportional control of the hydraulic system. The control system is a compact structure that requires minimal cabling and ensures that the hydraulic system operates with energy efficiency and minimal wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: SRE Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Adsett, Pierre C. Gadbois
  • Patent number: 6164285
    Abstract: A control console for a mobile machine includes a lower support device, a first platform and a pair of links pivotally coupled between the support device and the first platform. A second platform is mounted atop the first platform for sliding movement parallel thereto and a compression mechanism coacts with the platforms and secures them in respective positions. More specifically, each platform includes a horizontal support member and a web extending downwardly from such members. The platform webs are closely proximate one another and when the compression mechanism is tightened, the webs and one of the links are compressed together. Web/link compression prevents up-down movement of the platforms in unison and also prevents movement of the second platform with respect to the first platform. A new method for moving the position of a control lever mounted on the console is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan J. Garberg, Thomas G. Lykken, William B. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6062331
    Abstract: An auxiliary hydraulic control system for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid within an auxiliary hydraulic circuit associated with a particular work machine wherein such system includes a first bi-directional proportional switch actuatable to control the direction of flow within the auxiliary hydraulic circuit in either a first or a second direction and at a flow rate which is proportional to the amount of pressure being exerted on the switch in the selected direction, a second switch actuatable to provide continuous flow in the selected direction and at the selected flow rate, and an electronic controller coupled to the first and second switches for receiving signals therefrom, the controller outputting a signal to initiate continuous flow in the selected direction and at the selected flow rate when the controller receives signals indicative of the first switch being actuated, the second switch being actuated, and the first switch being released within a predetermined period of time after the second swi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Grunow, Raymond T. Schenck, Steven T. Ufheil
  • Patent number: 6030169
    Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment for use with a power machine. An attachment control device includes an ignition switch and a stop switch and allows a user to operate the attachment from outside the operator compartment of the power machine, when the power machine is started from the attachment control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Scott R. Rossow, Kenneth A. Brandt, Wally L. Kaczmarski, Paul A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6015019
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed including a load carrying box for the transport of material to a work site in an over-the-road manner. An auxiliary drive and steering system operates at the site for control of vehicle speed and direction with the vehicle operator re-located out of the vehicle to monitor material discharge. The motor drives the vehicle through a gear reduction unit and power transmission component powering a tooth plate clutch mounted on a driveline segment. An engine powered hydraulic pump provides an auxiliary drive bi-directional motor with a remotely controlled directional valve regulating motor speed and direction. A motor control circuit also includes counterbalancing valves served by the directional valve and a torque relief valve dissipating motor torque at the end of an auxiliary drive operation allowing clutch disengagement without risk of clutch damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Chassis Remote, Inc.
    Inventors: Lahon H. Grimes, Karl V. Grimes, James E. Yelton
  • Patent number: 5424623
    Abstract: The present invention provides, an apparatus for controllably moving a vehicle's work implement. The work implement includes a first appendage pivotally connected to the vehicle, and a second appendage pivotally connected to the first appendage. The apparatus senses the geometry of the work implement and responsibly producing a plurality of position signal and produces one of a manual control mode signal and an automatic control mode signal. An operator interface produces first and second lever command signals indicative of desired movement of the work implement. The apparatus receives the one control mode signal and the first and second lever control signals and responsively produces linear motion of the end point of the second appendage along first and second work axes if the one control mode signal is equal to the automatic control mode signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Allen, Paul D. Anderson, Walter J. Bradbury, John M. Hadank, Richard B. League
  • Patent number: 5355576
    Abstract: Guardrail assembly is performed by a vehicle carrying an inventory of guardrail sections and guardrail support blocks. The vehicle moves along a series of prepositioned guardrail posts and includes a side-mounted support frame allowing joining of guardrail sections and deployment rearward of a continuous ribbon of joined guardrail sections. As the continuous ribbon of joined guardrail sections is deployed, it is urged laterally outward and against attachment sites of the series of prepositioned guardrail posts. The continuous ribbon is then attached to the guardrail post, including mounting of an intermediate support block. The assembly and mounting under the disclosed method and apparatus is approximately half that of conventional guardrail assembly and mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Jack J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5263824
    Abstract: A safety shutdown system for a vehicle containing a hazardous fluid material such as gasoline, liquid propane gas (LPG) or anhydrous ammonia (NH.sub.3) permits turn-off of the vehicle's engine and closure of the vehicle's storage tank valves by the vehicle's operator remotely located from the vehicle. The system includes a hand-held controller including a receiver and transmitter as well as a receiver/transmitter combination located in the vehicle's cab. The transmitter in the cab is coupled to a vehicle-mounted flow meter for providing an RF signal to the remote receiver for display on the hand-held controller of the amount of material discharged from the vehicle's tank. The cab-mounted receiver is responsive to an operator-initiated shutdown signal emitted by the remote controller and is coupled to a pulling solenoid which is, in turn, coupled to the storage tank valves via a cable for closing the valves and stopping the flow of hazardous material when the controller is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Fredron Corp.
    Inventors: Fred J. Waldbeser, Ronald A. Warren
  • Patent number: 5226497
    Abstract: Apparatus, for the remote control of a carrier vehicle from the cab of an excavator which is rotatably mounted upon the back bed of the carrier vehicle through a center pin assembly, is accomplished with a hydrostatic pump operably connected to the crankshaft of the carrier engine. Electric controls in the excavator cab connect to the pump which selectively directs fluid to a motor which rotates a first gear which meshes with a second gear fixed to the carrier vehicle drive shaft. In alternate embodiments, the motor connects to a power take-off on the transmission. Carrier steering, braking, and throttle functions are also remotely controlled at the excavator cab through a combination of electric and hydraulic controls with the electric wires extending from the electric controls in the excavator cab, through a slip ring on the center pin assembly and to the respective function controls at various sites on the carrier vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Eric Beaton